Let’s be honest, when Kelechi Iheanacho joined Celtic after the 2025 summer transfer window slammed shut, it wasn’t exactly met with a wave of enthusiasm.
That wasn’t because Celtic fans didn’t trust his qualities, but the fact that the club had just concluded an abject transfer window, got knocked out of the Champions League, and had not put money on the table to sign a striker.
Yet fast forward to the present, after Celtic won the Scottish Cup final on Saturday afternoon after beating Dunfermline Athletic, there will be many wanting Iheanacho, who scored from the bench, to extend his stay in Glasgow.
The positive news is that the Nigerian star is open to the idea, as he explained on the Hampden pitch after the full-time whistle.
“I hope so,” said Iheanacho about being at Celtic next season. “I hope that at the start of (next) season, I am still a Celtic player. But we will leave that for everyone at the club to sort out.”
Who was your Celtic MOTM vs Dunfermline?
Kelechi Iheanacho reacts to winning a domestic double with Celtic
This is what Celtic are all about, even during a season where there have been so many off moments, the double has been put in the cabinet, again!
This is Iheanacho’s first time experiencing it in the famous green and white colours, and he is certainly ‘really happy’ with how the ‘crazy’ campaign has ended.
Speaking to Premier Sports, the 29-year-old stated that it’s a ‘proud’ moment for all, and he would love to continue his journey at the club.
“It feels really good,” said Iheanacho. “My first Scottish Cup. I am really happy. It was a crazy season, but I am really happy.
“This is such a proud moment for the club, the fans and for everyone who has cherished this moment. I think this season, we’ll go down in the history of the club. Everyone will remember it. We are really happy that we are celebrating with the fans.
“It has been crazy, to be fair. I have done ten months, and I have won two trophies. I am happy, excited, so is my family, friends and everyone.
“I hope so. I hope that at the start of (next) season, I am still a Celtic player. But we will leave that for everyone at the club to sort out.”
Iheanacho’s stats for Celtic
The issue with Iheanacho is his fitness, and the fact that he hasn’t been able to play 90 minutes on a regular basis this term.
Yes, he has been injured on several occasions, and he didn’t have a pre-season with Celtic, or anyone for that matter, because he joined after his contract was ripped up at Sevilla.
But still, that’s the only major issue around whether Iheanacho extends his stay at Celtic Park or heads for the exit door after just 12 months.
- Games: 24
- Starts: 8
- Goals: 9
- Assists: 1
- Minutes per match: 37
- Total minutes: 890
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